Medical Health Encyclopedia

Diet - constipation


InjuryDiseasesNutritionPoison
SymptomsSurgeryTestSpecial Topic
Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables
Overview Food Sources Recommendations Prevention
Definition

The foods you eat may cause, worsen, or relieve constipation.


Alternative Names

Constipation diet


Function

Normal poop (stool) patterns are different for everyone. Some people may have a bowel movement more than once a day while others may have one every 2 to 3 days. Normal stools should not be painful or difficult to pass.

Constipation is defined as bowel movements that are infrequent, hard or difficult to pass. Constipation may be a chronic (long-term) problem or occur occasionally. It may result from medications, a medical condition, not enough activity, or a diet too low in fiber or fluid.



Review Date: 06/14/2011
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Jennifer K. Mannheim, ARNP, Medical Staff, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Seattle Children's Hospital; George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California (7/28/2010).

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).




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